Aviary is presenting the third in its vegetarian dinner series and they are always worth checking out—not least because they represent good value for the money with seven courses for under 50 bucks. For the high-summer menu chef Sarah Pliner is using herbs and tomatoes from her own garden, which has inspired bar manager Kaysie Condron to create a Sungold tomato cocktail. Aviary’s trademark Asian influences are present in what looks to be an interesting and creative menu—dishes include chilled beet and lemongrass soup with coconut and nasturtium; smoked maitake tempura with pine nuts and lychees; and vegetable barigoule, black olive cake, artichokes and fennel. Desert features Salt & Straw’s lemon cucumber sorbet with melon, dill, and ‘june cake’. It’s on Thursday, but call it a weekend treat.
Aviary, 1733 NE Alberta, August 6, 5-10 pm, $45 for seven courses, call 287-2400 for reservations
- Carly Diaz
- The vegetable barigoule